Oprtalj: town gate, frescoes and countryside walks

Updated October 13, 2026.

Oprtalj stands above the Mirna valley, with a loggia outside its former walls. Walk from its stone collection through the town gate to the main square.

From the former courthouse to the church square

Court hearings once took place in the loggia, where public proclamations were also read. Today you can browse its lapidarium, a collection of stone fragments from Oprtalj and the surrounding area.

Opposite the loggia stands the only surviving town gate. The arch bears the date 1756, marking its reconstruction, and the former tower above the passage was converted into a house. From here, follow the lanes uphill to the parish church of St George. Behind its Baroque façade is an older Gothic interior with a nave and two aisles. The bell tower stands apart from the church.

Two churches with painted walls

St Roch stands beside the school and contains frescoes painted by Anton of Padua in 1535. Among the surviving figures of saints, St Leonard is recognisable by his fetters. St Mary stands below the town on the road towards Zrenj, near the avenue of cypresses. Several painters worked here, including Klerigin of Koper, who signed the Annunciation on the chancel arch in 1471.

Access to the frescoes is not guaranteed on every visit.

A longer walk through the countryside

For more than a walk around town, take circular trail 262 Oprtalj – Sv. Ivan. It starts beside the cemetery and covers 9.3 kilometres, taking around three hours on foot. The route passes through Sv. Lucija and Sveti Ivan to Vižintini Vrh, then returns towards Oprtalj along a gravel road. This is a moderately demanding walk with climbs and woodland sections. Set aside a separate part of the day and bring water and footwear suited to uneven ground.

Distance from Bale: 59 minutes driving (51.6 km)

For: families, first time visitors, history lovers, art lovers, nature lovers, dog owners

What to do: information, architecture, landscape, refreshments, food and drink

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